Predictors Of Intestinal Parasitic Infection Research Articles

Prevalence and Predictors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 2019 to 2023: A Retrospective Study.

Parasitic infections are a primary cause of illness worldwide and a public health problem. This study highlighted the prevalence of intestinal parasitic (IP) infections and their updated epidemiologic status from 2019 to 2023 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A retrospective study was conducted from 2019 to 2023 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. The laboratory results, socio-demographic information, and the year of data collection were collected from the hospital's parasitology laboratory. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Committee of Bioethics (NCBE) - King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology, with an approval number of 258-22. During the study period, 7673 stool samples were requested for intestinal parasite examination. The prevalence of IP infection from 2019 to 2023 was 212/7673, with a percentage of 2.8%. Infected patients had a mean (SD) age of 37.68 (17.27) years. Most infected patients were females (61%) and from Saudi Arabia (37.1%). Most stool samples were brown (79.1%), and about half were soft (51.7%). 2019 had the highest number of infected cases (28.3%), while the number of cases decreased in 2023 (8.8%), the lowest during five years. The most predominant parasite among study subjects was Blastocystis hominis (48.11%). The prevalence of IP infection is lower than in previous comparable surveys. Maintaining personal hygiene, conducting epidemiological surveillance, and enhancing environmental sanitation can prevent and control infections.

The prevalence of intestinal parasites, undernutrition and their associated risk factors among school-age children in Sekota Town, Northeast Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

In developing countries, intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition are among the most serious health issues affecting school-aged children. They have synergetic consequences. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, undernutrition, and their associated risk factors among school-age children. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2021 among school-age children in Sekota Town, Northeast Ethiopia. Households were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Risk factor variables were collected using pretested questionnaires. Stool samples were collected from study participants and examined using a wet mount, formol-ether concentration, and modified acid-fast techniques. The height and weight of children were also measured using a meter and a standard calibrated balance, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 statistical software. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among school-age children was 44.3% (178/402). About seven species of intestinal parasites were identified. The predominant parasite identified was E. histolytica/dispar (11.2%), followed by H. nana (9.2%) and G. lamblia (6.7%). The well as a source of drinking water (adjusted odds ratio[AOR] = 7.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.38-14.36), habit of open-field defecation (AOR = 7.02; 95%CI: 13.05-12.06), and being undernourished (AOR = 5.67; 95%CI: 2.98-10.79) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infections. On the other hand, the overall prevalence of undernutrition was 46.3%. Undernutrition was significantly more likely in children with a dietary diversity score (DDS) of 3 (AOR = 3.73, 95%CI: 2.37-5.88), meal frequency of no more than three times per day (AOR = 2.00, 95%CI: 1.71-2.98), intestinal parasite infection (AOR = 5.25, 95%CI: 3.24-8.52), and no access to school-based feeding (AOR = 3.52, 95%CI: 2.17-7.96). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and undernutrition was high among school-age children in Sekota Town. The results imply the need for strengthening integrated strategies for the reduction of intestinal parasitic infections and undernutrition.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infection in Under-Five Children With Malnutrition: A Hospital Based Cross-Sectional Study.

ABSTRACTBackground:Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and malnutrition in under-five children contribute substantially to developing countries’ childhood morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the prevalence and profile of IPI in under-five children and compared them with nutritional status and other socioeconomic factors.Methods:Anthropometric indices were used for checking the nutritional status of under-five children. Malnutrition was graded into four grades (I–IV) based on the Indian Academy of Pediatrics advocated Weight-for-Age criteria. Children whose Height-for-Age and Weight-for-Height were <−2, standard deviations were regarded as stunted and wasted, respectively. Stool samples were examined by direct wet mount (normal saline and iodine) and formol-ethyl acetate concentration technique to detect parasitic cyst and ova. Stool smears were made directly from the specimen and after concentration and stained by kinyoun’s stain. Subsequently, the association of undernutrition was assessed with intestinal IPI using the Chi-square test.Results:The overall prevalence of Grade I, II, III, and IV malnutrition was 52%, 31.7%, 12.2%, and 4.1% while stunting and wasting IPIs were present in 60.2% and 36.6%, respectively. IPIs were present in 47.2%, and 11.4% showed polyparasitism. Soil-transmitted helminths were found to be the commonest (Ascaris lumbricoides: 21.1%; Trichuris trichiura: 13.0%; and hookworms: 8.1%) followed by the intestinal protozoa (Enterobius vermicularis: 7.3, Giardia lamblia: 6.5, and Cryptosporidium spp.: 2.4%). Increasing age upto 5 years, improper excreta disposal, low level of maternal education, and a higher number of childrenin the family were predictors of IPIs. The prevalence of IPI was significantly associated with Grade II and III undernutrition, stunting, and wasting. Individually, Ascaris and hookworms contributed significantly to stunting and cryptosporidium spp. to wasting.Conclusion:Prevalence of IPI in malnourished under-five children is high. Joint nutritional interventional strategies, early diagnosis/treatment of under-five children, and increased awareness among masses are imperative to break the vicious cycle of malnutrition and parasitic diseases.

Predictors of Intestinal Parasitic Infection among Food Handlers Working in Madda Walabu University, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the major health problems globally. It is more common in developing countries including Ethiopia. So, adequate evidence is needed regarding the predictors of intestinal parasitic infection. This study was aimed at determining the predictors of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers working in Madda Walabu University, Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 May to 10 June 2017 among 198 symptom-free food handlers. Data on sociodemographic variables were collected through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected immediately after the interview using labeled wide-mouthed plastic container and clean wooden applicator. Direct wet-mount method and formal-ether concentration techniques were performed to identify intestinal parasites. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive statistics and crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. p value of <0.05 was considered to declaration level of significance. Result The response rate was 98% (198/202). The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.3% (50/198). The top three intestinal parasites found in this study were Ascaris lumbricoides 7.6% (15/198), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 7.6% (15/198), and hookworm 5.6% (11/198). Inadequate handwashing practice (AOR: 13.876; 95% CI: 4.129, 46.632), inadequate knowledge about foodborne diseases (AOR: 3.596; 95% CI: 1.438, 8.989), lack of training on proper food handling (AOR: 5.960; 95% CI: 1.450, 24.497), and untrimmed fingernail (AOR: 2.939; 95% CI: 1.368, 6.135) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection. Conclusion High prevalence of intestinal parasites was observed among symptom-free food handlers who could be unobservable source of disease transmission. Inadequate handwashing, untrimmed fingernail, inadequate knowledge, and lack of training were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection in this study. This implies the need for timely and adequate training and enforcement of regular medical checkup system for food handlers.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections and nutritional status of school children in government elementary schools in Jimma Town, Southwestern Ethiopia.

Introduction:Soil-transmitted helminth infections and malnutrition are major health problems of school-age children in developing countries. Malnutrition and soil-transmitted helminth infections often co-exist with synergetic consequences.Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths and its association with nutritional status of school-age children.Methods:School-based cross-sectional study was carried out from April to May 2014 among 404 elementary school-age children in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia. Data on background characteristics were collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken according to World Health Organization standard. Fresh single stool sample was collected from each study participant and examined using direct wet mount and McMaster techniques. Anthropometric indices were generated using WHO AnthroPlus software. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to isolate independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection and nutritional status using STATA-MP software. All tests were two-sided and P < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.Results:The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites and soil-transmitted helminths were 68.6% (n = 277) and 55.0% (n = 222), respectively. A total of eight species of intestinal parasites were identified in this study, Trichuris trichiura being the most common parasite identified followed by Ascaris lumbricoides. Study participants who had a habit of open defecation were two times more likely to be infected with soil-transmitted helminths (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.0–3.4). The overall prevalence of stunting and thinness were 21.0% (n = 85) and 6.9% (n = 28), respectively. The odds of stunting was significantly high (adjusted odds ratio = 4.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.7–9.7) among children who had fathers working as daily labourers and children with personal dietary diversity score of ⩽3 (adjusted odds ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.5–8.0). T. trichiura infection (adjusted odds ratio = 9.4, 95% confidence interval: 2.0–44.8) was identified as an independent predictor of stunting among school-age children.Conclusion:Both the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and stunting are high among school-age children in Jimma Town. Although there was no statistically significant association between the STHs, in general, T. trichiura was reported as predictor of stunting. The results imply the need for strengthening strategies for reduction of parasitic infection to curb the pervasively high prevalence of stunting.

Socioeconomic Predictors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Under-Five Children in Rural Dembiya, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-sectional Study.

Background:Soil-transmitted helminths and protozoan parasitic infections are endemic throughout the world. The problem of intestinal parasitic infection is higher among developing countries where children are the most vulnerable groups. Although health information related to parasitic infections is available globally, it is often limited in rural setups in least developed countries. This study was, therefore, conducted to assess socioeconomic predictors of intestinal parasitic infections among under-five children in rural Dembiya, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted among 224 randomly selected households with under-five children. We used questionnaire to collect data and direct stool examination to identify intestinal parasitic infections. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P < .05 was used to identify socioeconomic predictors of parasitic infections.Results:We found that 25.4% (95% CI = [20.2, 31.1]) under-five children had intestinal parasitic infection. Ascaris lumbricoides was the leading infection, which accounted 44 of 224 (19.6%). The prevalence of childhood intestinal parasitic infections was higher among households with no members whose education level is secondary and above (AOR = 3.36, 95% CI = [1.23, 9.17]). Similarly, intestinal parasitic infections were statistically associated with presence of 2 under-five children in a household (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI = [1.29, 9.82]), absence of frequent health supervision (AOR = 3.49, 95% CI = [1.72, 7.09]), larger family size (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI = [1.09, 4.85]), and poor household economic status (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI = [1.23, 5.41]).Conclusions:Significant proportion of children was infected with intestinal parasitic infection in rural Dembiya. Educational status of family members, number of under-five children in a household, health supervision, family size, and wealth index were statistically associated with parasitic infections. Provision of anthelmintic drugs, health supervision, and health education targeted with transmission and prevention of infections are recommended.

Salmonella serotypeTyphi, Shigella, and intestinal parasites among food handlers at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia.

Food handlers play a major role in the transmission of Salmonella serotype Typhi (S. Typhi), Shigella, and intestinal parasites. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of S. Typhi, Shigella, and intestinal parasites among food handlers at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2014. Stool samples from 410 food handlers were examined for bacterial pathogens and parasites. Pearson's Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used where appropriate. The prevalence of S. Typhi, Shigella, and intestinal parasites among food handlers was 11 (2.7%), 5 (1.2%), and 53 (12.9%), respectively. Among eight intestinal parasites identified, the two most prevalent intestinal parasites were hookworm 26 (6.3%) and G. lamblia 13 (3.1%). Male food handlers were more likely to be positive than were female food handlers for S. Typhi and intestinal parasites. Furthermore, food handlers who had a history of regular medical checkups were less infected with intestinal parasites. Being male (AOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.4) and not attending medical checkups (AOR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.4, 6.1) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection in food handlers. Male food handlers were reluctant to have regular parasitological examinations. There was a high proportion of food handlers with S. Typhi, Shigella, and intestinal parasites in their faces. Special emphasis should be placed on S. Typhicarriers and male food handlers. Education and periodical medical checkups for intestinal parasites and S. Typhi should be considered as intervention measures.

Nutritional Status and Intestinal Parasite in School Age Children: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Background. The objectives of this study were to determine the burden of underweight and intestinal parasitic infection in the urban and rural elementary school children. Methods. A comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of malnutrition or intestinal parasites. Two independent samples' t-test was used to identify the effect of malnutrition on school performance or hemoglobin level. Results. A total of 2372 students were included. Quarters (24.8%) of school children were underweight. Underweight was associated with sex [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.61; 95% CI = 0.47–0.78], age [AOR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.16–0.28], intestinal parasitic infection [AOR 2.67; 95% CI = 2–3.55], and family size [AOR 23; 95% CI = 17.67–30.02]. The prevalence of intestinal parasite among school children was 61.7% [95% CI = 60%–64%]. Shoe wearing practice [AOR 0.71; 95% CI = 0.58–0.87], personal hygiene [AOR 0.8; 95% CI = 0.65–0.99], availability of latrine [AOR 0.34; 95% CI = 0.27–0.44], age [AOR 0.58; 95% CI = 0.48–0.7], habit of eating raw vegetables [AOR 3.71; 95% CI = 3.01–4.46], and family size [AOR 1.96; 95% CI = 1.57–2.45] were the predictors of intestinal parasitic infection.

Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers of Southern Ethiopia: cross sectional study.

BackgroundGlobally about one third of the total population is estimated to be infected with intestinal parasites, of which, the majority are people living in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. Cases of intestinal parasitosis are also highly abundant in Ethiopia and hence the aim of present study was to assess prevalence and predictors of intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers working in Arba Minch University students’ cafeteria, South Ethiopia.MethodA cross sectional study was conducted among food handlers working in Arba Minch University from April to June, 2015. A pretested structured questionnaire was used for collecting data about socio-demographic characteristics and possible risk factors. Stool specimens were collected and examined microscopically for the presence of eggs, cysts and trophozoites of intestinal parasites. Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS version 20 software.ResultsA total of 376 food handlers were enrolled in the study of which thirty one of them were not willing to participate for a stool examination. The majority of study participants were females 273 (72.6 %). About 123 (36 %) of food handlers were found to be positive for different intestinal parasites with the most abundant parasite of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 48 (14 %) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 32 (9.27 %). Finger nail status (AOR: 2.2, 95 % CI: 1.29–3.72), hand washing practice after toilet (AOR: 1.71, 95 % CI: 1.06–2.77), hand washing practice before food handling (AOR: 1.69, 95 % CI: 1.04–2.75), preparing food when suffering from diseases (AOR: 3.08, 95 % CI: 1.17–8.13), and using common knife for cutting raw flesh food and other food (AOR: 1.72, 95 % CI: 1.01–2.92) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection among the food handlers.ConclusionThis study revealed a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers. Since most of the intestinal parasites are transmitted by the feco-oral route, food handlers could be an important source of infection to the students and general population. Therefore, constant epidemiological surveillance through biannual routine parasitological tests and treatment of the infected cases along with the improvement of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation are recommended to control the parasitic infection in food handlers.

Prevalence and predictors of intestinal parasites among food handlers in Yebu Town, southwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundAs a result of urbanization, eating and drinking from food service establishments is becoming a common practice in developing countries like Ethiopia, which increases the chances of food borne diseases. The health status and hygiene practices of food handlers are the major determinants of food contamination. In developing countries where there are poor regulatory systems for food hygiene, food handlers are often appointed without screening for possible infections associated with poor hygiene like intestinal parasites.ObjectiveThis study aimed at determining the prevalence and predictors of intestinal parasites and assessing the hygiene practices among food handlers in Yebu Town, southwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 118 food handlers in Yebu Town in January 2011. Fresh stool specimens were collected and processed using both direct wet mount and Formol ether concentration techniques.ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among the study subjects was 44.1% (52/118). Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm spp were the predominant parasites identified from the stool of study participants. Age above 35 years (AOR: 4.8, 95% CI: 1.1, 21.8), no regular practice of washing hands before a meal (AOR: 7.8, 95% CI: 2.8, 24.8), and untrimmed finger nail (AOR: 14.7, 95% CI: 2.8, 75.4) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection among the food handlers.ConclusionThe present study showed high prevalence of intestinal parasites among the study subjects. The study also revealed poor personal hygiene like poor practice of hand washing and poor finger nail hygiene. Therefore, much has to be done to improve the personal hygiene of the food handlers. Pre-placement and periodic screening of food handlers for parasites and prompt treatment, and health education on regular trimming or cleaning of fingernails would be the way forward for prevention of food borne diseases.

Status of intestinal parasitic infections among residents of Jimma Town, Ethiopia.

BackgroundIntestinal parasites cause considerable morbidity and mortality in the world, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. Both urban and rural inhabitants are vulnerable to infection with intestinal parasites in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the status of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among residents of Jimma Town, seven years after high prevalence was reported.ResultsFour hundred and thirty four residents of Jimma Town were included in this study. By the cross-sectional survey, the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 209 (48.2%). Nine species of intestinal parasites were isolated, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura being the most predominant. Residence in Hermata Mentina kebele, Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR), 3.0, 95% CI, 1.71-5.39), age less than 10 years (AOR, 3.7, 95% CI, 1.33-10.36), illiteracy (AOR, 3.2, 95% CI, 1.64-6.19), estimated monthly family income of less than 500 Ethiopian Birr (AOR, 2.9, 95% CI, 1.32-4.90) and irregular washing hands before meal (AOR, 5.3, 95% CI, 1.36-21.07) were predictors of IPI in this study. The retrospective study revealed a significant decrease (P = 0.037) in the proportion of patients infected with intestinal parasites out of those who requested stool examination over the six-year period.ConclusionThis study confirms that IPIs are still common among residents of Jimma Town. Nearly half of the study participants were infected with at least one intestinal parasite. Public health interventions targeting prevention of IPIs should be strengthened in Jimma Town.